If ever there was a time in his life that the Celt needed nerve and accuracy of aim it was then.
And straight to the mark sped the bullet.
The explosive shell struck the panther full behind the shoulder.
It tore its way through the beast’s heart and lungs. Death was instantaneous.
But the beast’s body struck Frank and hurled him upon his face.
And there the famous inventor lay with the panther’s form upon him, with the hot blood surging over him in a stream.
Barney closed the throttle, applied the brakes, and brought the Steam Man to a halt.
Then the two faithful servitors rushed out of the cage and to Frank’s side.
But the young inventor was unhurt, and scrambled quickly to his feet as soon as the panther’s body was pulled off from him.
“Whurroo!” yelled Barney, in delight and triumph. “We’ve saved yez, Misther Frank, an’ if we hadn’t yez would shurely ’av’ been kilt entoirely.”